Managing Your Child's T- Rex Orthodontic Appliance

My daughter is starting orthodontic work. The first step was having an expansion appliance placed in her mouth to create room for missing teeth.

The appliance our orthodontist recommended was called a "T-Rex" or a "Pendex T-Rex" and looked like a retainer that has been split into two equal halves. The T-Rex widens the upper jaw through the turning of a small key, which expands the appliance against the premolars. I had never heard of this procedure before; in fact, one of my friends said her dentist called the procedure "barbaric." My orthodontist however, explained that the T-Rex is the most effective way to expand the mouth without have to use external headgear. He added that most kids adapt to the appliance in just a few weeks and only experience tenderness for the first day or two.

My daughter and I examined a model of a T-Rex, and even experimented with turning the key. We decided that the procedure didn't look as barbaric as my friend claimed.

Installing the appliance

The installation, if that's the proper word, took less than 10 minutes. Afterwards, the orthodontist showed me how to properly turn the key. The key is nothing more than an inch long piece of wire with a bit of a tab on it. It is inserted into the center of the appliance, in a small opening which I think of as the "wheel" of the appliance. Once inserted, it is pushed backwards towards the rear of the mouth and then removed. As the wheel is turned, the T-Rex gently exerts more pressure against the premolars, pushing them towards the back and sides. He gave me some additional instructions and his home number, in case we had problems later on in the evening.

Pain and Discomfort